Howard Camping of Family Radio seems to have miscalculated...again. The evangelical broadcaster predicted the end of the world for today - May 21, 2011. So far nothing has happened and Camping hasn't commented. He predicted the "Rapture" event once before in 1994, but that day did not take true believers to Heaven to escape the Tribulation.

The latest miscalculation and failed prediction of the end of the world has certainly created a lot of press. I chalk that up mainly to viral media and how the Internet and the news media want to run with any story that people will talk about.

If you study your Bible you will see that there are many places that speak of events signaling the second coming of Christ or the "end times". Lots of people get caught up in that and there is money to be made for those who like to whip up frenzy - or at least stir curiosity. But I don't think the point of the Bible, and especially the New Testament, is about getting ready for the End. And the Gospel of Mark quotes Jesus as saying no one knows the hour or day (Mark 13:32-35). I think it is more about recognizing that we all need to wake up to the reality that life is about participating with love and compassion for others and by doing so with the help of our loving God we will be transformed. Do this and it could be the end of your world - as you know it - and the beginning of a new way of life that is true freedom and really worth focusing on.

I like to take life one day at a time. I'm still learning about life, but I am ever so grateful that Jesus shows us The Way to this new and everlasting life.